Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
| Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Basic information | |
| Affiliation | Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada |
| District | Western Diocese |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Status | Operational |
| Website | http://www.uocvancouver.com/ |
| Architectural type | Professor Serhyj Tymoshenko |
Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is a Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on East 10th Street just west of Main Street.
History
The Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Parish was established in Vancouver, on May 9, 1937. The first Holy Liturgy was held on July 18, 1937 at the Ukrainian National Home. The following year, a fund was established for the building of a church. World War II, Federal Government statutes and policies, and the sheer size of the project they had undertaken were obstacles. Ultimately the structure was designed by architect Serhyj Tymoshenko and built. The Cross for the main cupola was blessed by Rev. Stephen Symchych on September 11, 1949.
At Easter 1950 the first Divine Liturgy was served in the newly built, but as yet unfinished, church. In the ensuing years the church was completed and decorated according to the Orthodox tradition.
In 1970 the parish commenced planning and fundraising for the building of an auditorium and mezzanine immediately adjacent to the church property. The Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium was officially opened on June 17, 1973.
In December 1977, the Vancouver City Council designated the church as an architectural Heritage Building, and an engraved plaque was placed on the exterior of the church building. In 1975 the church was designated as a Sobor by Rt. Rev. Archbishop Andrew on behalf of the Ukrainian Greek-Orthodox Church of Canada,(renamed Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) by an Act of Parliament in 1990). In 1983 the church was designated a Cathedral. Since its first Liturgy, the Parish has been served by fourteen priests, and had had visitations from bishops, archbishops and metropolitans of the UOCC.
The Church Elders and Sisterhood are involved with the care and maintenance of the church, along with their principal role of assisting with the conduct of church services.
Congregation
The congregation is currently made up of approximately 130 members. There are many young families that have children in both Sunday and Ukrainian School. There is a mixture of both Ukrainian and English speaking parishioners, with many new immigrants from the Ukraine who have joined the Parish for the welcoming atmosphere
Ukrainian Orthodox Centre
Attached to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Parish is the Ukrainian Orthodox Centre which is used for a variety of uses - wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, trade shows, presentations and meetings.
Friday night suppers
The Parish is known in the Vancouver area for their Friday Night Ukrainian Suppers (also more commonly known as "Perogy Night in Vancouver") held on the first Friday of the month. The dinners have been featured on CBC and the Georgia Straight
See also
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
- Archbishop of Edmonton and Western Canada
- List of Cathedrals in Canada